Music Education at Winthrop University

Congratulations, Taylor Fussell '23!

On May 21, 2024 Superintendent Jessica Williams recognized the 2023-2024 CCSD Rookie Teachersof the Year . The District Rookie Teacher of the Year is : Miss Taylor Fussell -Forest Hills Elementary.

Congratulations to music education graduate Chris Nichols, who was chosen as the Outstanding Graduate in Music for spring 2024!

Our final graduate spotlight is Leo Gayosso! Leo is an instrumental music education major from Boiling Springs, South Carolina, who studied double bass with Dave Vergato and piano with Dr. Matthew Manwarren. He completed his internships with Brad Williams at Pleasant Knoll Elementary in Fort Mill and Dr. Tom Hildreth at Dutchman Creek Middle School in Rock Hill. Leo has just accepted a job to teach middle school orchestra in the area, but we can't say where until the contract is signed and official! (But we're very excited for him!)

"The main thing I enjoyed during during my time at Winthrop were the performances in various settings and ensembles," Leo said, "as well as all the connections I made with my professors and colleagues. I advise future music ed students to seek as many opportunities as possible, whether it be in teaching or performance."

Congratulations, Leo! We are so proud of you, and we wish you all the best!

Today's featured graduate is Sarah Ochoa! Sarah previously received her Bachelor of Music in music performance at Winthrop, and is now graduating with her Master of Arts in Teaching degree! She is from Rock Hill, South Carolina, and studied voice with Dr. Jeff McEvoy. She completed her internships with Julie Albertson at Doby's Bridge Elementary and Julia Bouldin at Fort Mill Middle School, both in Fort Mill. In the fall, Sarah will begin her career as the choral director at Chester High School in Chester, South Carolina!

"Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies at Winthrop, I valued all of the performing and teaching opportunities available to me," Sarah says. I am grateful for my professors' guidance and mentorship, as well as the long-term relationships I have developed. These connections have not only influenced my academic journey but have also become an important part of my personal and professional life. To future music education students, I encourage you to embrace Winthrop's supportive community and take advantage of all of its opportunities. Build meaningful relationships with your mentors and peers. These connections will not only enhance your education but will also continue long after graduation."

Congratulations, Sarah! We are so proud of you, and we wish you all the best!

This afternoon, our music education graduates were honored at the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences Teacher Education Convocation! They each received a blue cord, representing the academic field of education, to wear with their graduation regalia at commencement. Pictured here are Dr. Lorrie Crochet, Associate Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Director of Bands, Sarah Ochoa, MAT, MacKenzie Hafer, BME, Chris Nichols, BME, Leo Gayosso, BME, and Ms. Julia McCallum, Music Education program coordinator.

We're so proud of this cohort and their accomplishments! Can't wait to see you walk across the stage this week at the commencement ceremonies!

Today's graduate spotlight features MacKenzie Hafer! MacKenzie is a choral music education major from West Columbia, South Carolina, a Teaching Fellow, and studied voice with Dr. Kristen Wunderlich. She completed her internships with Megan Burnett at Sullivan Middle School in Rock Hill and Melissa Burroughs at River Trail Elementary School in Fort Mill. MacKenzie is seeking a position as an elementary music teacher for next year!

"One of the things that I have valued most about my time here has been the sense of support that I have received from the people here," MacKenzie said. "I am forever grateful for the faculty that was there for me when I needed it most and always knew when to push me to my fullest potential. The student who walked into the music building four years ago is not the teacher who is leaving at the beginning of May and I have my wonderful professors to thank for that. "

Her advice for future music educators is, "Remind yourself why you chose to be here in this major in the first place. When you turn your love and hobby into a career it can be easy to forget that you loved it in the first place. Make time to make music for fun or listen to your favorite song while dancing around your bedroom. Even when the degree is overwhelming it's important to remember that "we get to make music". "

Congratulations, MacKenzie! We are so proud of you, and we wish you all the best!

Our first graduate spotlight for spring 2024 is Chris Nichols! Chris is an instrumental music education major from Lugoff, South Carolina, a Teaching Fellow, and studied flute with Jill O'Neill. He completed his internships with Melissa Burroughs at River Trail Elementary in Fort Mill, and Jennifer Isenhour at Gold Hill Middle School, also in Fort Mill. Next fall, Chris will be the band director at Chester Middle School in Chester, South Carolina!

When asked about his time at Winthrop, Chris says, "I enjoyed developing as a musician and learning new instruments, and value the relationships I have built with these amazing individuals greatly!"

Congratulations, Chris! We are so proud of you, and we wish you all the best!

Starting tomorrow, we'll be featuring our music education graduates in the annual "graduate spotlight" feature! This gives us--and you!--an opportunity to congratulate them on their accomplishment and to read what they had to say about their time here at Winthrop. Stay tuned to cheer on our first graduate tomorrow!

Music education faculty member Julia McCallum paid a visit to Dawkins Middle School in Spartanburg, SC today, where Winthrop alum Amanda Shaw '19 is doing fantastic things with her choirs! Ms. McCallum worked with the sixth grade students on selections for their upcoming concert. They sound wonderful. Great things are happening in the classrooms of Winthrop alumni!

Music education majors Katelyn Selkinghaus and Sheri Norris presented their honors culminating projects this weekend at Winthrop's SOURCE (Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors) event, and were recognized at the Honors Ceremony!

Sheri's research project was titled, "Elementary Music Teachers' Experiences with Orff Schulwerk." She interviewed music teachers with varied levels of experience with Orff Schulwerk, learning about what those teachers percieve are the benefits and challenges of Orff, and how they feel this approach helps their students learn. Sheri presented her findings at Friday's research poster session. Her project director was Ms. Julia McCallum, and her committee included Dr. Lorrie Crochet and Dr. Jeremy Mims.

Katelyn's creative work was a composition for clarinet choir entitled, "A Sailor's Journey." The composition was dedicated to the memory of her grandfather, who was a sailor. Katelyn's work was performed on Friday during live performances at SOURCE. Her project director was Dr. Debbie Loomer, and her committee included Dr. Tracy Patterson and Dr. Mark Lewis.

Congratulations, Sheri and Katelyn!

Music students are encouraged to join us at 9 am on Saturday for the annual Mini-Conference! With sessions for instrumental, choral, and elementary music, there's something for everyone. (And as Chris noted at the Intern Panel last night, it's good to learn things outside your area of expertise, too!) See https://linktr.ee/wunafme for presenter bios and conference schedule. Recital credit is available for EVERY session of the conference, and all music students, regardless of major, are welcome to attend!

We'll finish up the afternoon with a free ice cream social in the Recital Hall courtyard at 2 pm! (Sorry, no recital credit for the ice cream social. Just delicious ice cream. 🍨)

Thanks to our spring '24 music ed graduates for sharing their experiences at tonight's Intern Panel! Our music interns, representing elementary music, band, choir, and orchestra, shared their internship experiences, challenges, and highlights, and offered advice and encouragement for their fellow students. Topics ranged from useful resources, favorite moments, getting along with your mentor, and preparing for Praxis, to time management and preparing for edTPA.

Congratulations to Sarah, Leo, Chris, and MacKenzie, on your upcoming graduation! You'll see more of them soon, as we feature each student in our Graduate Spotlights, coming up the week of commencement. We'll also be giving shout-outs to their mentors, who have given so much time and energy to these students this year!

Music education students will be involved in two events on Friday afternoon!

First is the Lab Ensemble Concert at 12:30 in the Recital Hall! Student conductors from MUST 591 will be leading the instrumental Lab Ensemble in Barnes Recital Hall. Come out and support these students before they move into their internships next year!

After Lab Ensemble, come over to McBryde Hall, where music education major Sheri Norris will be presenting in SOURCE (Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors). She will present her research for her Honors Thesis, titled "Elementary Music Teachers' Experiences with Orff Schulwerk," during Poster Session 2, beginning at 2:30. Come by and ask her about her work!

It was a beautiful day on campus for Winthrop Day and CVPA Open House! It was wonderful meeting many of our accepted music students today.

If you are an incoming music education student who has been accepted to Winthrop, but you haven't had a chance to audition, please contact Ms. Julia McCallum, music education program coordinator, at [email protected], and you'll be connected with the appropriate applied faculty to coordinate an audition. We're looking forward to meeting you!

Music students - there are a lot of activities happening next week, so be sure to mark your calendars!

Thursday, April 11 is our Intern Panel! The four interns of the Class of 2024 will answer all your questions about Praxis, edTPA, interviewing, working with your mentor, classroom management, and more!

Recital credit is available when you sign in and out with a faculty member. As always, our events are open to all music students, so come and join us.

Thursday, April 11
6:30 pm
CMUS 315

Students applying for Music Education Sophomore Review should submit their applications for Music Education Sophomore Review (paper application) and Teacher Education Admission (online application) by Monday, April 1!

Sophomore Review application should be submitted to Ms. McCallum. For teacher Education Admission applications, see here: https://www.winthrop.edu/ceshs/sas/undergraduate-admission-to-teacher-education-new-program.aspx

Just one more spring audition date remaining!

Saturday, April 6, 2:00 pm (all instruments and voice)

Application procedures, requirements, and info: https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/scholarships/music.aspx

We are so grateful for our alumni! Last week, four members of the class of 2023 joined us for the annual NAfME Collegiate New Teacher Panel. They shared what their first year of teaching has been like and offered advice to current students.

Pictured here are:

Bradley Wilson, percussion instructor at Forest Creek Middle and Catawba Ridge High School, Fort Mill, SC
Caitlyn Howard, band director at Rawlinson Road Middle School, Rock Hill, SC
Will Cosper, music teacher at North Elementary School in Lancaster, SC
Paul Malina, choir director at East Rowan High School in Salisbury, NC

Thank you, alumni, for sharing your experiences!

We're hiring!

Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/143026

Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for a one-year, full time, non-tenure track position, as Instructor of Music (Music Education and Assistant Band Director) in the Department of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The assignment commences in academic year 2024-2025, and subsequent assignments are determined on a year-to-year basis.

Primary duties include: Teach undergraduate instrumental music education courses as required (instrumental methods courses, conducting, marching band techniques, etc.); supervise student interns; conduct the Symphonic Band; teach, administer and direct the Basketball Pep Band; assist the Director of Bands in all aspects of the instrumental program; active involvement in meetings, professional development, university service, committee work, and recruitment; possibility of graduate-level teaching. Other duties may be added depending on candidate expertise.

See more information and apply on Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/143026

Music students, join us TOMORROW for our New Teacher Panel! Several of last year's Music Education graduates will join us for an encouraging and informational conversation about the realities of the first year of teaching. They'll also share their advice for things you can do now to help you have a succesful first year!

March 21
6:30
CMUS 315

Recital credit available for all music students when you sign in and out with a faculty member at the event.

Music students, join us next week for our New Teacher Panel! Several of last year's Music Education graduates will join us for an encouraging and informational conversation about the realities of the first year of teaching. They'll also share their advice for things you can do now to help you have a succesful first year!

March 21
6:30
CMUS 315

Recital credit available for all music students when you sign in and out with a faculty member at the event.

You made it, students! Enjoy your break, and we'll see you soon!

Students, mark your calendars for this semester's professional development events, sponsored by Winthrop's chapter of NAfME Collegiate! All events are free of charge and open to all members of the Winthrop community. Recital credit is available for all music majors for each event, when you sign in and out with a faculty member.

March 21, 6:30, room 315: New Teacher Panel
April 11 6:30, room 315: Intern Panel
April 13, 9-1 (times tentative), throughout the Conservatory: annual Mini-Conference

Lab band is an opportunity for upper-division music education students in the secondary music methods class to practice teaching in a small ensemble setting. Students in the instrumental methods courses play in the ensemble, which gives them extra playing opportunities on secondary instruments. It's a great time for students to learn from each other and refine their teaching skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment!

Just a few dates left for Winthrop University Department Of Music spring auditions!

Friday, March 1, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (voice only)
Saturday, March 2, 2:00 pm (all instruments and voice)
Saturday, April 6, 2:00 pm (all instruments and voice)

Application procedures and info: https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/scholarships/music.aspx

The Department of Music has a new website! Thanks to the hard work of Lauren Grad, CVPA Director of Communications, the websites for all departments of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, including the Department of Music, received a beautiful upgrade. Stop by https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/music/ and have a look!

Alumni: you can now create an Alumni Profile! Click on Alumni on the grey header at the top of the page and choose "Alumni Profile" to enter information. We'd love to know what you're up to!

Did you know that Winthrop's chapter of NAfME Collegiate offers six or more professional development opportunities each year for music education students? These professional development sessions are free for students and intended to enrich what they're learning in their courses and field experiences. These sessions provide them with a variety of perspectives and techniques from professionals in the field.

These experiences could not happen without volunteers! We are always looking for interested music educators who are interested in providing short, targeted professional development sessions (45-60 minutes) in all music teaching areas and specialties. If you are a music educator interested in providing an opportunity for music education students, please fill out the interest form at https://bit.ly/MusicEdPD and we'll add you to our volunteer list. (If you already filled out this form and heard back from us, we got you! You don't need to fill it out again.)

Featured in this graphic are Winthrop alumni Todd Gillespie '21 and NeTorrian Patton '21, who presented two fabulous sessions for choral music students at last spring's Mini-Conference.

Logan Szyjkowski, junior music education major, composed a concerto for clarinet and wind symphony entitled "Nebula." Logan had the opportunity to lead a rehearsal of this piece with the Winthrop University Wind Symphony this week, with sophomore music education major Jada Turner on clarinet.

Jada and Logan are both clarinet students of Dr. Debbie Loomer, and Logan studies composition with Dr. Ron Parks.



Winthrop University Clarinet Studio